Simrad IS42 Digital Display — Compact Autopilot Instrument

The Simrad IS42 Digital Display from Advance Trident is a purpose-built, compact sailing instrument and autopilot display designed for smaller cruising boats. It delivers essential helm data on a single, easy-to-read 4.1-inch transflective color screen, while offering flexible integration with larger Simrad glass-helm or multifunction systems for a clean, uncluttered cockpit.

Crystal-clear visibility where it matters

Experience true-color visuals with a transflective LCD that stays legible in bright sun and gray twilight. An optically bonded display improves contrast and touchpoints, ensuring wind, speed, depth, and engine information are instantly readable at a glance—even in challenging marine conditions.

Independent instrument, or integrated command center

IS42 works as a standalone helm display or as part of a broader sailing instrument network. Its low-profile 8 mm mounting height is designed to align smoothly with other MFDs and system modules, delivering a cohesive cockpit profile without sacrificing data visibility.

Autopilot ready—compact, capable, and configurable

• Optional OP12 keypad brings full autopilot control to the IS42, transforming the display into a compact autopilot command center.
• Compatible with leading autopilot computers AC12, AC42, NAC-2, and NAC-3 for reliable control at the helm.

Smart data sharing for safer sailing

IS42 isn’t just a display—it’s a hub for essential navigation data. With NMEA 2000 networking, it shares vital information across your marine electronics. When connected to a compatible VHF, you’ll see AIS data and DSC targets on screen, enhancing on-deck situational awareness and decision-making.

Why this matters on real-world passages

On short-handed days or longer passages, the IS42 centralizes wind, speed, depth, and engine status along with autopilot feedback in one view. You gain quicker helm decisions, reduced cockpit clutter, and a calmer, more confident sailing experience. Its condensation-sealed housing keeps the display clear in spray and humidity, so visibility stays consistent from dawn patrol to night watches.

Who should consider the IS42

Ideal for smaller cruising boats that want a dedicated, easy-to-read instrument panel or a streamlined upgrade path into a broader Simrad ecosystem. It suits sailors who value quick access to autopilot status and cockpit data without swapping between multiple screens.

Practical tips for maximizing performance

• Pair with the appropriate autopilot backbone (AC12, AC42, NAC-2, NAC-3) to unlock full autopilot control from a compact display.
• Run the NMEA 2000 network to enable seamless data sharing with VHF, AIS, and chartplotters for enhanced situational awareness.
• Position IS42 where you can read wind, depth, speed, and engine metrics at a single glance during busy passages or tight marinas.

Engineered for the realities of the modern helm, the Simrad IS42 Digital Display delivers precise sailing data, dependable autopilot interaction, and a clean, integrated cockpit presentation—empowering calmer passage planning and smarter, faster helm decisions on every voyage.